Register Today for Accelerate DSM 2017

Are you an entrepreneur? Are you unsure of how to navigate the Greater Des Moines (DSM) startup ecosystem? How have past entrepreneurs found lasting success? Can their story become yours?

Here’s one way to find out…

On May 17, Square One DSM will host the second annual Accelerate DSM event from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third Street, Des Moines. The event is presented by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and BrownWinick Law Firm is the Leading Sponsor.

Connect to the Local Startup Community

The 2017 gathering will provide an opportunity for those not plugged into the startup ecosystem to interact with the local startup community, as well as provide resources for preexisting business owners so they can accelerate growth in their own companies.

There are many reasons why startups fail — from not enough people wanting the product or service to funding or pricing issues to product usability versus the competition. So, what can you do to not only succeed, but also ensure your business flourishes?

Should you concentrate more on your customers? How much time do you allocate to pricing? Research? Market trends? Are you losing ground because of the way your business communicates? What changes will ensure your business thrives? These are questions that should be asked as they are vital to long-term success.

What else is key to growing your business quickly and efficiently? When do you hire more staff? What type of revenue streams should be established to make that decision? For entrepreneurs just starting out, these can be make-or-break decisions. Startups can grow exponentially in their first years, but when this happens, how do founders ensure they also grow correctly? The path to sustainability is not always a clear one, especially when done quickly.

Learn From DSM USA Entrepreneurs

At Accelerate DSM, startup founders have the chance to learn from entrepreneurs who have been in their shoes — people who have persevered and catapulted their companies into successful ventures. The 2017 program will focus on accelerating the growth of startups and creating connections among attendees. This year’s speakers include Torey Maerz, founder of Rocket Referrals, which specializes in developing intuitive and effective software for businesses and which bootstrapped its company with $9,000 and now leads a profitable business with 10 employees; Ben Milne, founder and CEO of Dwolla, a digital payment network startup; Cayla Weisberg, a member of Women’s Tech Founders Leadership Council and a partner at InvestHer Ventures, a company that invests in emerging technology startups led by women; Casey Niemann, founder and CEO of AgriSync, a customer support mobile app connecting partners in agri-business with more than 125 customers on three continents obtained in less than two years; and Mollie Bodensteiner, Vice President of Marketing at FunnelWise, a marketing funnel intelligence solution.

Accelerate DSM has been described as “energizing,” “refreshing” and “inspiring.” It is also a great way for entrepreneurs to plug into the startup community and network with others hoping to grow their own businesses. It is a meeting of the startup minds, a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to get plugged in with other entrepreneurs in order to learn from them and potentially create a mutually-beneficial and lasting relationship as well.

If this sounds like an event for you, register today for Accelerate DSM 2017. An all-day ticket, with lunch included, is $30. The cost for students, lunch included, is $10.

Want to learn more? Check out last year’s recap video for a glimpse into the benefits of attending Accelerate DSM.